A data structure is a method of organizing data in a computer so that it can be used efficiently. They are a specialized means of organizing data, such that users can perform operations on them effectively. Data structures are widely used across the fields of Computer Science and Engineering. They are being used in almost all programs or software that has been developed. In layman’s terms, a data structure is a container that stores data in a particular layout.
The five most commonly used data structures are:
Arrays
Stacks
Queues
Linked Lists
Trees
Arrays
An array is a fixed-size data structure that holds items of the same data type. It can be an array of integers, an array of floating-point numbers, an array of strings, or an array of arrays (like a two-dimensional array). Arrays are indexed, meaning that random access is possible. An array is the most simple and most commonly utilized data structure. Other data structures like stacks and queues are derived from the fundamental arrays.
Applications of Arrays
They are used as the building blocks for other data structures such as queues and stacks.
They are used for different sorting algorithms such as bubble sort and selection sort.
Stacks
A stack is a LIFO data structure. A LIFO data structure uses the Last In First Out mechanism, meaning that the element placed at the last index is accessed first. A stack is commonly found in many programming languages. It got its name because it resembles a real-life stack of objects, like a stack of blocks.
Application of Stacks
They are used for expression evaluation, such as evaluating mathematical expressions.
They are used to implement function calls in recursive programming.
Queues
A queue is a FIFO data structure. This means that it uses the First In First Out mechanism, where the element placed at the first index/position can be accessed first. This structure is also commonly used in programming languages. It got its name from the real-life resemblance of a queue, like a people standing in a queue/line.
Application of Queues
It is used to manage threads from multithreading.
It is used to implement queuing systems, such as priority queues.
Linked Lists
A linked list is a sequential data structure that is made up of a sequence of objects in a linear order linked to each other. Therefore, the data needs to be accessed sequentially to retrieve data. Data cannot be retrieved using random access. Linked lists are a simple and adaptable representation of dynamic data sets. Different types of linked lists include singly-linked lists, doubly linked lists, and circular linked lists.
Application of Linked Lists
In compiler design, they are used for symbol table management.
They are used to switch between programs using Alt + Tab.
Trees
Trees are hierarchical data structures where data is organized in a hierarchy and are all linked to each other. This structure is different from a linked list as, in a linked list, the data items are linked in a linear order. Various types of trees have been developed over the years to suit applications and meet criteria. Examples of trees include the binary search tree, B tree, splay tree, AVL tree, n-ary tree, red-black tree, and the treap.
Application of Trees
They are used to implement expression parsers and solvers.
They are used in many searching applications.
A type of tree known as a Heap is used to store Java objects in JVM.
Treaps are used within wireless communication networks.
Article was written for CyberClubNPSi
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